On the Menu

This little chalk board was the final addition to my kitchen. In all of the other places we have lived, I was always used to having a place to write lists, errands, and other notes for myself. Let's face it, dry erase boards are just not attractive and would not fit in my new kitchen. I found this slender beauty at Paper Source. I use it every day, whether it's to write JJ a cute note or the menu for that evening's dinner. Chalk boards are nostalgic to me. I used to love being called up to the board as a kid to figure out math problems or spell out words because I loved the way the chalk sounded as it hit the board. I think if I weren't a graphic designer, I would be a teacher- solely based on my love for the black board.

My Kitchen

After carefully examining all of the storage space that my kitchen provided, I knew that I would not be able to sto-away all of my recipe books. I could leave them out, but only two of them are cute enough to be displayable. I knew I needed some sort of piece of furniture in the kitchen to house my goods.

I found this piece at the River Market Antique Mall. I was there looking for frames for my friend's baby shower and this beauty was sitting in the corner of the first floor just glowing. It was screaming, "I would look perfect in your kitchen! I could hold all of your cookbooks and recipes and still have two drawers as catch-alls! Don't you want me? I used to be a doctor's medicine cabinet- could I be any cooler?" I replied with a "cha-ching". It was a little pricey, but when you fall in love with something- you have to make some sacrifices. And I did. My kitchen is now complete.

My New Spice Rack

I bought this old milk crate from a friend's garage sale a few months ago for two dollars and wasn't quite sure what to do with it. I have been antiquing since then and seen these same crates priced as high as $20. I got the steal! On the day we moved into our new house, my friend Lizzie stayed all day to help me get my kitchen in order. We came across this piece and she suggested I use it as a spice rack. I spray painted it white and ordered these little cannisters from Specialy Bottle. They were only 75 cents a piece. I think it turned out pretty cute and it goes well in my kitchen which is mint green and white with stainless appliances. I enjoy the little pops of color in each container. It was an easy project that added a whole lot of spice in my life.

My Kitchen

After moving into my new house only a few months ago, I have struggled with where and how to fill it up with things we like. I seem to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, so I started there. The kitchen is probably the main reason I fell in love with the house in the first place. Its original farmhouse sink and wood counter tops, Viking stove, and slate floors make me want to put as much thoughtful detail into the rest of the house. It was a space I had dreamed about, never thinking I could afford. Let's just put it this way, I love love love my kitchen and I feel like I belong there.

The picture above is a little touch that I added to my favorite space after shopping at the River Market Antique Mall. I saw these acrylic letters in a large box in the back of the store and immediately thought of putting them in my kitchen.

Not that I need a reminder to do that, but I thought it was cute.